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(11.4) Does Medi-Cal pay for my regional center services?

(11.4) Does Medi-Cal pay for my regional center services?

If you are eligible, Medi-Cal may pay for some of your regional center services. Medi-Cal is a public program that provides health care services to Californians who are low-income or have disabilities.[1]See Disability Rights California publication for basic information on Medicaid/Medi-Cal: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/fact-sheet-what-is-medicaid-medi-cal

Unlike Medicare and most private health insurance plans, Medi-Cal covers:

  • Long-term care in institutions, and
  • Community alternatives to institutions, like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and services mentioned in Question 25.

Even if you are eligible for Medi‑Cal, it may not cover all of the regional center services you need. If you need a service not covered by Medi-Cal, you still have the right to get that service if it is in your IPP. 

It is beneficial for the state to have people on the DD Waiver so Medi-Cal can cover some of the services. You should not notice a difference in your services whether Medi-Cal is covering them or not. But, the state will get matching federal money if you are on the DD Waiver. It is good for Californians when the state gets more federal money. It can also be beneficial for you. See Question 9 for details.

Important! Your IPP should list all services you need, not just services Medi‑Cal will pay for. Even if the DD Waiver does not cover the services you need, you still have the right to get the services listed in your IPP.

References
1 See Disability Rights California publication for basic information on Medicaid/Medi-Cal: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/fact-sheet-what-is-medicaid-medi-cal